~Patti~ - ProfilesArchive

About Me

Summer of 2007~We wanted to make this MySpace so we could share our life story and how we cope with ALS. Mark is 42 and has ALS. Lou Gehrigs disease. Although we have only known since March 2006 we believe it started the summer of 2004 when he noticed changes in his left arm. We won't let this disease take over our life. He has a great attitude and is an inspiration to all who know him, and others who do not. At this time the disease is upper limb onset. That means that both his arms are loosing strength.Although Mark no longer drives a car he still works full time. His employer is CNA Insurance in Syracuse NY. Mark is a senior claims specialist for Workers Compensation. He uses a blue chip for phones and a voice activator for typing. CNA has taken care of each issue with unbelieveible speed. His friends and co-workers are amazing people. Always there to help in every detail. Mark is seeing some weakness in other areas of his body but nothing to be concerned about right now. We still walk our dogs every day for about one mile. Sometimes 2-3 times on weekends. They are very spoiled. We have a black lab named Misty and a husky named Sasha. In some ways we think they know Mark is sick. They are always by his side and will "wash" him constantly.OurALS Walk team is called " Walking On Air". Participating again this year. Pledges over $6,000 for this years walk has come in and more promised! Mark and I have been married since September 2000. Together we have no kids,, just dogs!! I have three grown children from a previous marriage. We have three granddaughters and one new grandson. They adore Mark as do my kids. Their pictures are in our photo galery.**********************************************ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord, ultimately resulting in a loss of voluntary muscle control, paralysis and death. But what makes ALS particularly devastating is that as people progressively lose the ability to walk, move their arms, talk and even breathe, their minds remain sharp; aware of the limits ALS has imposed on their lives.

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My Blog

Saddened by the loss of my youngest brother, David

On March 31 my youngest brother had passed away. As children we were very close since we were the youngest of 4. David and I did so much together. When we were teens he started to ha...
Posted by on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:12:00 GMT

new computer-Sasha-life

Our new computer came the other day. Dell is still making Xp. It is wonderful! And a 22" flat screen monitor, too.Alex will be so happy to get our old one. Our friend Eric got ...
Posted by on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 06:03:00 GMT

Life is getting better!

Finally some good news. The Insurance finally aproved payment for Mark's wheelchair. I was so nervous thinking we may have a $21, 000 bill!! Also CNA is allowing Mark to have one of their ...
Posted by on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 20:56:00 GMT

Mark’s latest update

Since my last visit, I don't believe I've taken any more headers. While there may have been the one time when I fell down the basement stairs but that was clearly alcohol-related. However ...
Posted by on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 05:58:00 GMT

Sasha, our husky dog

Sasha is our 11 year old husky dog. She is a beautiful girl full of energy. Last Saturday while taking a walk with Mark's dad she got hurt. The dogs tripped him and as he fell he lan...
Posted by on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 19:31:00 GMT

we have lost a friend to ALS

..> ..> .. Joseph Theodore Zunic--> Joseph Theodore Zunicof Endwell andMaine, N.Y.Joseph Theodore Zunic, of Endwell and Maine, N.Y., died January 4, 2008. Joe lived life to the fullest fo...
Posted by on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 05:16:00 GMT

Mark’s Birthday

Mark's 43 birthday was December 14th. That night we meet with friends and coworkers after work for a few drinks. Although it's getting harder to get his arms up, he still can drink a beer ...
Posted by on Sat, 22 Dec 2007 12:08:00 GMT

Our Van has returned!

Our van was returned to us last Friday. It is wonderful. Mark has a nice "pimped up" ride!! There is 4 ways to open the door and ramp. The neatest one is in the back tail light...
Posted by on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 07:23:00 GMT

Mark’s latest update/dr appointment

First a little background. If you've heard any of this before, you may skip to the next paragraph. I'm sure you're all aware by now that I'm having more and more difficulties with my arms,...
Posted by on Thu, 18 Oct 2007 07:34:00 GMT

Zooneyfest

Last Saturday Mark and I and our friend Marty went to a benefit called "Zooneyfest". The day was cold but the surroundings were warm..........people from the little town of Endicott NY, came out full ...
Posted by on Thu, 20 Sep 2007 08:43:00 GMT